The Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET), administered by AIIMS Delhi, is once again facing intense criticism. New allegations have surfaced claiming a widespread paper leak in this year’s preliminary examination. Many candidates reported seeing a significant portion of exam questions circulating on social media platforms, including X, even before the test began. This is particularly concerning given AIIMS’ stringent policy against publicly releasing question papers. This fresh scandal has ignited widespread fears regarding the trustworthiness of one of India’s most crucial healthcare recruitment assessments.
Further exacerbating the outrage, numerous technical failures plagued various exam centers, adding significantly to candidates’ distress. In one notable incident in Jammu, the examination was delayed for hours due to persistent system crashes, leading to protests outside the testing venue. Similar widespread disruptions were reported from other locations, leaving thousands of hopefuls feeling frustrated, anxious, and deeply concerned in what is already a high-stakes environment. With both administrative shortcomings and potential misconduct coming to light simultaneously, the NORCET’s reputation and integrity are undergoing their most severe challenge to date.
Fresh Allegations of Paper Leak
Reports from candidates indicate that an alarming 60 percent of the questions that appeared in the preliminary examination were allegedly already circulating on social media platforms. The re-emergence of these leak allegations, following a similar scandal in 2023, casts serious doubt on the effectiveness of the security measures AIIMS has implemented to safeguard the examination process.
Echoes of 2023 Controversy
It’s worth noting that in 2023, comparable allegations of a paper leak led to a full-blown Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and several arrests. The fact that these claims have resurfaced so soon highlights possible deep-seated systemic flaws in how the examination process is monitored and secured, ultimately putting thousands of aspiring nursing officers at a significant disadvantage.
Technical Glitches Exacerbate Problems
Beyond the alleged paper leak, widespread technical disruptions at various exam centers severely aggravated the situation. Candidates, particularly in Jammu, experienced hours of frustrating delays as systems repeatedly crashed. Other locations also reported numerous glitches, poor organizational management, and chaotic conditions during the examination. This unfortunate confluence of technical failures and suspected malpractice has fostered an environment of profound uncertainty and distrust among the examinees.
Nursing Associations Demand Urgent Action
In response to these grave concerns, a joint working committee representing various nursing associations has formally communicated with AIIMS Director Dr. M. Srinivas, describing the irregularities as “deeply troubling.” The associations are strongly advocating for an immediate and thorough investigation, demanding rigorous action against any individuals found responsible, and urging the implementation of more robust safeguards to protect the integrity of future examinations.
High Stakes for NORCET and Aspiring Nurses
The NORCET examination is a critical stepping stone, serving as the primary gateway for securing coveted nursing officer positions across all AIIMS institutions and numerous central government hospitals. With persistent allegations of leaks and operational missteps, the very credibility of this vital exam—and, more importantly, the career prospects of thousands of aspiring healthcare professionals—now hangs precariously in the balance. Rebuilding public trust will unequivocally depend on swift, transparent, and decisive action from AIIMS authorities.